Rhonda J Raft
Midland,MI
Summary
Compassionate retired Language Arts Teacher with 30 years of experience instructing students on basics and nuances of reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening skills. Supporting students in understanding basic elements and principles of design. Adaptable communicator skilled at facilitating discussions among students, staff, customers, and peers. Advocator of human rights meeting challenges of cultural diversity.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
High School English and Art Teacher
Flat Rock High School
Flat Rock, MI
08.2007 - 10.2021
- Assessed student work, using both formative and summative assessment through rubrics, tests, interviews, games, and other methods of evaluation.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach grammar, composition, reading comprehension, literature analysis, multi-genre writing, independent reading, yearbook publication, and art survey classes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative teaching strategies for the English curriculum that allowed for differentiation while aligning with the Common Core.
- Encouraged open dialogue among students, staff, parents, and peers by leading with transparency, grace, respect, and a touch of good humor.
- Mentored new teachers in best practices for teaching English language arts classes; hosted student-teachers during my tenure, and allowed many university students access to my classroom for their observation hours.
- Created a safe yet stimulating learning environment that encouraged critical thinking skills while giving access to an extensive classroom library.
- Served on committees to plan events, proctor tests, organize guest speakers, honor students with recognition, revise dress code, select scholarship recipients, design group lesson plans for homeroom and its various spin-offs, revise school safety standards, and the like.
- Organized extra-curricular activities such as Club 31 for juniors preparing for the ACT; Rampage, a popular contemporary after-school book club, and an Artist Trading Card (ATC) club for curious artists.
Middle School Art Teacher
Simpson Middle School
Flat Rock, MI
08.1996 - 06.2007
- Developed and implemented the comprehensive art curricula for all students in grade 6, 7, and 8.
- Created lesson plans to teach basic principles of art such as color theory, drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
- Assessed student progress through observation and evaluation of artwork produced in class.
- Promoted student art in public places such as showcases throughout the building, evening art shows, and exhibits at the local library.
- Worked with limited budget and ordered supplies for projects that kept students engaged.
Middle School English Teacher
Sacred Heart Academy
Mt. Pleasant, MI
08.1992 - 06.1996
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for teaching English language arts to 7th and 8th grade students.
- Facilitated student council meetings as advisor, leading to planning dances, field trips, and weekly ski trips.
- Collaborated with other teachers in a team-teaching setting.
- Held extra-curricular meetings with student government as the 7th grade and 8th grade advisor.
- Kept parents and other teachers well informed of progress and concerns throughout the year via phone calls and meetings.
High School Art and Yearbook Teacher
Bath Community Schools
Bath, MI
01.1992 - 06.1992
- Utilized lesson plans for established art curriculum for high school art students.
- Assessed student work through rubrics, tests, sketchbook progress, and class critiques.
- Finishing publishing the school's yearbook working with a Jostens representative and a student-led classroom.
- Coached cheerleading for the remainder of the season.
Education
Master of Arts - English Language And Literature
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI12.1997
Bachelor of Science - Education
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI12.1991
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Student and Staff Mentoring
- Positive Reinforcement
- Relationship Building
- Course Planning and Development
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Student Assessment
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Common Core Standards
- Interactive Classroom Instruction
- Microsoft Office
- Project-Based Learning
- Google Classroom
- Notary Public
- Lecturing, Listening, and Leading Discussions
References
- Annie Drzewicki, Owner of The UPS Store, Midland, MI 989.835.6050 aemd3248@gmail.com
- Vicki Denman, Office Manager for MiIVRx, Midland, MI 989.948.0300
- Amanda Alverson, High School Ass't. Principal, Jenison, MI 269.967.7926 alversona@gmail.com
- Kathy Willis, High School Counselor, Flat Rock, MI 734.535.6600 kwillis12375@gmail.com
Timeline
High School English and Art Teacher
Flat Rock High School
08.2007 - 10.2021
Middle School Art Teacher
Simpson Middle School
08.1996 - 06.2007
Middle School English Teacher
Sacred Heart Academy
08.1992 - 06.1996
High School Art and Yearbook Teacher
Bath Community Schools
01.1992 - 06.1992
Master of Arts - English Language And Literature
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Central Michigan University
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